Decoding the Myth of Blue Light Lenses: What You Need to Know

Several years ago, a series of scientifically-uninformed journalists propagated a baseless scare about the harmful blue light emitted by screens. While this fear was seemingly based on a misguided assumption, it quickly became an 'accepted fact,' largely due to its alignment with the growing prevalence of screen time-related eye strain among individuals.

Screen Time and Eye Strain: An Inevitable Issue?

The true culprit behind much of the eye discomfort experienced by people who spend a significant amount of time on close-up screens lies in the nature of the human eye's ability to focus on nearby objects for extended periods. This condition, often referred to as near point vision, is plagued by the uvea, or the middle layer of the eye, which is not designed to maintain prolonged close focus, leading to potential strain and discomfort.

The Business Behind Blue Light Lens Scam

The fear of blue light-induced harm opened the door for unscrupulous manufacturers and salespeople to introduce a new range of coated lenses, often marketed as blue light protection. These lenses, typically low-powered reading glasses with a slight blue reflection, were sold at inflated prices. Despite the false marketing claims, the demand for these lenses was met by brands of varying credibility, from those pursuing quick profits to more reputable ones aiming to capitalize on the market demand.

The Reality of Blue Light and Eyewear

It is essential to understand that any glasses that significantly decrease blue light would distort vision, making everything appear yellow. This distortion makes such glasses unappealing to most users, rendering them impractical in most situations.

Important Facts to Consider

tComfort and Focus Strain: Many individuals experience eye strain because their natural focusing ability is limited to a certain range, which can be exacerbated by prolonged screen use. This has nothing to do with blue light, but rather with the natural constraints of the human eye. tEffectiveness of Reading Glasses: Reading glasses can provide significant relief, particularly if they are not tinted. These lenses can help with near point focus and reduce eye strain, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable screen time experience.

It is crucial to approach the issue of blue light protection with a clear understanding of the actual science involved, rather than being swayed by marketing claims. If you experience discomfort from prolonged screen use, consulting an optometrist or eye care professional is the best way to address the problem.

Conclusion

The myth of the necessity for blue light lenses is far from proven. The root cause of eyestrain from screen time is more complex and mainly relates to the near point vision limitations of the human eye. While reading glasses can provide relief, they should be chosen with the user's individual needs and preferences in mind. Stay informed and make your decisions based on accurate and current information.